NEW YORK LIBERTY

New York Liberty

The New York Liberty is a team in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) based in New York City. It derives its name from the Statue of Liberty and the sister team of the NBA’s New York Knicks. They are among the eight original WNBA teams that began to see action in 1997, as well one of the most successful teams in WNBA history. They also have established themselves as an important part of NYC's sports landscape. Win or lose, the team always puts on a good show, so a trip to the Garden for a WNBA game has become a favorite summer event for many area families.

The WNBA was first started in 1997 and they were one of the pioneering teams participating in that league. The Liberty was one of the first teams to choose a player, and they signed a college superstar from University of Connecticut named Rebecca Lobo to a contract. In 1999, she was injured and her injuries eventually led to her retirement several seasons later. If she had been healthy, the team might have won a title or two, as the Liberty really could have used her ability to score near the basket. Another Liberty star player Teresa Weatherspoon helped the team make it to the 1997 championship game, where the team lost to the Houston Comets. Although, the Liberty has not won any championship ring despite making the WNBA playoffs almost every season and appearing in the Finals four times, they try their very best to have at least one.

In 2006, the Liberty as well as the WNBA itself celebrated its 10th Anniversary. The 10th New York team took on a different look in the new season, as long-time mainstays departed and new, young talent stepped in. The first half of the season was tough for the inexperienced team, especially when veteran leader Becky Hammon suffered an ankle injury on July 9. In true New York spirit, the team rallied in the second half of the summer, finishing the 2006 season by winning 7 of its last 10 games, and ending with an 11-23 record. In recent time, the 2008 season will feature the “Liberty Outdoor Classic” when they will be playing the first ever professional regular season basketball game to be played outdoors when the New York Liberty play against the Indiana Fever at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The Liberty is owned by Madison Square Garden, L.P. a division of Cablevision. Team colors include Blue, Orange, and Liberty (Sea Foam) Green. Their present uniform has white with teal, blue and orange trim and “Liberty” on the chest in light blue letters at home. Primary color is blue on the road with “New York” on the chest in white letters. The Liberty logo is on the left leg of the shorts.

For more information please visit: www.newyorkliberty.com

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